Out of the pub garden, into the pub.
Autumn is closing in. Escape from the cold into the lovely country pubs of North Norfolk, and enjoy roaring fires and local ales as rain patters against the window outside.
No. 1
The Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham.
The likes of Prince Harry, Sir Alan Sugar and the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge have dined at this outstanding but unassuming country pub.
Walking into the Dabbling Duck is like stepping into a fairytale ‑ from the story‑book name, to the book‑lined walls and the vines hanging from the rafters. This pub has charm in abundance, and becomes a cosy retreat every autumn, when the fires are kindled and the rooms lit up with a soft welcoming glow.
Relax by the fire for an afternoon with an ale in hand, or visit in the evening to experience the rich and expertly curated dinner menu. The Dabbling Duck prides itself on its game dishes, which change according to the season; pheasant, partridge and venison are just a few examples of the game prepared on site. The selection of drinks is also excellent, and includes the Dabbling Duck’s very own ‘Mucky Duck’ gin.
Most of the staff are locals, and the atmosphere of the pub reflects this. It’s so very Norfolk; rustic, easy‑going, and incredibly welcoming to boot.
No. 2
The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham
It doesn’t get cosier than Thornham’s Lifeboat Inn.
Tucked away on a hidden backstreet of Thornham, this 16th century inn was once said to entertain smugglers and other such nefarious characters. Today, the crowds tend to stay a little more on the straight and narrow. All are welcome in this family‑friendly pub ‑ whether you’re wearing wellies and walking your dog, or in your finest attire.
The Lifeboat Inn has vastly different atmospheres according to the room you are in. The lounge has all the charm of an old country house, with comfy armchairs surrounding an open fire, while the conservatory is light and romantic, with a 200 year old vine curling over the glass ceiling above. The more traditional part of the inn is all oak beams and rustic furnishings ‑ look out for the ‘pitch‑penny’ slot in one of the bar benches, and play the timeless game with family or friends.
As for the food, the Lifeboat Inn is set on serving high‑quality traditional pub food sourced from local producers. The menu evolves to suit seasonal produce, but you will always find freshly‑caught fish, locally‑reared meats and Norfolk specialties on offer here. It’s a fantastic rural pub, and balances atmosphere with quality perfectly.
No. 3
The Gunton Arms
The days are getting shorter, the weather is starting to turn, and morning mist is beginning to linger. Where better to hide away than in a rustic pub that feels more like the hunting lodge of a country estate than anything else?
Wander down from the extensive grounds of Gunton Hall’s deer park to the Gunton Arms, and take your time doing so, to truly soak in the tranquil nature of your surroundings. The beauty of the park is well‑matched with the beauty of the pub itself ‑ aside from the pretty exterior, the pub is filled with shabby chic furniture, rustic fireplaces and a cohesive country pub feel.
For something slightly out of the ordinary, admire the impressive art collection of owner Ivor Braka as you explore the halls, and immerse yourself in the works of such esteemed artists as Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Lucian Freud.
The Elk Room, named so for the enormous mounted antlers of a fossilised elk sitting above the grand fireplace, is the main dining area of the Gunton Arms. You can watch the chef cook huge steaks and slabs of meat over the open wood fire in this atmospheric room. The food reflects the setting; rich meats of wild game and local, seasonal produce dominate the menu.
No. 4
The Three Horseshoes, Warham
Just a few miles inland from Wells‑Next‑The‑Sea, the Three Horseshoes is set in the pretty village of Warham.
This is one of the most scenic sections of the North Norfolk coast, and the flint‑built cottages and sweeping views of Warham don’t disappoint. Perhaps the most postcard‑perfect building in the village, the Three Horseshoes is a family‑run pub steeped in tradition and local culture. The pamment‑tiled floors, wood‑burning fire and simple furnishings create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere perfect for the cooler seasons.
The pub prides itself on delivering simple, authentic British food. Think pies, puddings and Sunday roasts; all the traditional pub classics, but crafted with care and an attention to detail. The specials board changes daily, in order to take advantage of seasonal ingredients.
Everything about the Three Horseshoes is quintessentially Norfolk ‑ this is a pub run by locals, for locals, and great care is taken to keep it an authentic, relaxed experience.
No. 5
The Hoste, Burnham Market
The Hoste, which doubles up as a pub and boutique hotel, is well‑located in the quaint Georgian village of Burnham Market.
It’s one of North Norfolk’s prettiest villages, and the Hoste is an excellent place to stop for food and drink while exploring the area. You can curl up by the fire in the pub’s welcoming front‑room and bar, or head to the popular restaurant in the back.
The Hoste doesn’t limit itself to any one cuisine on its menu ‑ you’ll find wide‑ranging options, with dishes from the Mediterranean to East Asia ‑ but there is a particular focus on seafood. The lobster roll, which is served only at lunchtime, has become a famous indulgence among locals. While there are only a handful of ales available at the Hoste, the wine and cocktail selection is fantastic.
No. 6
The Hero, Burnham Overy
The Burnham area is unsurprisingly a bit of a hotspot for cosy places.
Five minutes away from Burnham Market, in the quaint village of Burnham Overy Staithe, the Hero is a gastro pub that makes an excellent pitstop when exploring the coast. The food is fantastic, the craft beer and wine selection varied, and the atmosphere laid‑back and welcoming.
The fire is sure to warm wanderers after long meandering walks through the marshes, and the subtle naval decor gives the pub a nice coastal touch. The Hero is great for families, and it’s dog‑friendly too, with treats available from the bar.
No. 7
The Hunworth Bell
Or ‘The Hunny Bell’, as it is affectionately known by locals, is a historic pub just two miles outside of Holt.
Set in the rolling green hills of the Glaven Valley, the Hunworth Bell is a typical country pub, with long wooden tables, low timber beams and crackling fires. At least, that’s the case for the cosy bar area ‑ the high ceilings of the barn give it a lighter, more open feel, though still charmingly rustic.
As has become the norm for many pubs across North Norfolk, the food at the Hunworth Bell is of a higher quality than you would usually expect. Making use of local ingredients to create simple but delicious English classics, the family team at the Hunny Bell have been nominated for numerous awards since their takeover in 2017. The food is complimented well with a great selection of local ales and wines.
No. 8
The Red Lion, Stiffkey
Enjoy the warm glow of the fire in this snug traditional pub, and dine on one of the delicious dishes on offer in the small but well‑crafted menu.
The Red Lion has a prime location in Stiffkey, overlooking rolling green fields and the River Stiffkey, while only a stone’s throw from the salt marshes. The coastal pub is really popular with locals ‑ especially on the nights featuring live music.
The menu offers up only the freshest of seafood; when the weather permits, lobster and crab are on the menu ‑ the fishermen are able to get out to sea, and bring back seafood so fresh it might just walk off your plate!
The pub is very dog‑friendly, making it the perfect ending to a long walk along the coastline.
No. 9
The Anchor Inn, Morston
After long blustering walks through the salt marshes of Morston and neighbouring Stiffkey, the Anchor Inn is the perfect respite from the cold.
Since a local pair of old school friends, Harry Farrow and Rowan Glennie, took over and refurbished the pub in 2011, the Anchor Inn has gone from strength to strength. The change in focus to a more traditional, village feel and an emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients has made the pub one of the most popular in the area.
Local fishermen, seal tour operators and tourists gather alike to experience the welcoming atmosphere and delicious food ‑ like many of the pubs in North Norfolk, seafood is central to the menu. The Morston mussels are a real highlight!
For more fantastic pubs check out our previous guide, ‘10 Places to Eat Out in North Norfolk’.
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